The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), following his remand in prison custody over investigative reports examining public expenditure.
The union also called for the withdrawal of all charges against Ojukwu and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, describing the prosecution as a threat to press freedom and the constitutional responsibility of journalists to hold public officials accountable.
In a statement signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahaya, the NUJ expressed grave concern over Ojukwu’s continued detention and prosecution.
Ojukwu was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, on 12 counts bordering on alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
Following his arraignment, the court ordered that he be remanded in prison custody until December 1, 2026, when his bail hearing is scheduled to take place.
The 21-day remand is linked to investigative reports published in 2023 and 2024 concerning expenditure by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).
NUJ Demands Withdrawal of Charges Against Ojukwu, Soyombo
The NUJ joined local and international human rights organisations in demanding the immediate release of Ojukwu and the withdrawal of all charges filed against him and FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo.
Describing journalism as a constitutionally protected public service, Yahaya said journalists should not be treated as criminals for investigating government spending and promoting accountability.
“Journalism is a constitutionally mandated public service, not a crime,” Yahaya stated.
The union warned that using the criminal justice system to punish journalists for scrutinising public expenditure could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“Deploying the apparatus of the criminal justice system to punish reporters for scrutinizing public spending undermines the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement added.
Union Warns Against Misuse of Cybercrimes Act
The NUJ also cautioned the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies against what it described as the recurring weaponisation of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws to harass, abduct and silence media practitioners.
According to the union, Ojukwu had previously suffered a 10-day abduction by police operatives in May 2024 over the same investigative reports.
Yahaya argued that the continued prosecution and detention of investigative journalists over matters of public interest could discourage media professionals from carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
NUJ Cites Constitutional Protection for Press Freedom
The NUJ president reminded prosecuting authorities and security agencies that press freedom and the media’s responsibility to hold government accountable are guaranteed under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.
He also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments, including Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The union warned that prolonged pre-trial detention of investigative journalists over public-interest reporting could create an atmosphere of fear across Nigeria’s media industry.
“Subjecting investigative journalists to prolonged pre-trial detention over stories of overriding public interest creates a chilling climate of fear across the media landscape,” Yahaya warned.
Reaffirming its solidarity with Ojukwu, FIJ management and journalists committed to transparency, the NUJ urged the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
The union further called on authorities to protect press freedom and guarantee that journalists can perform their professional and constitutional duties without intimidation, arrest, detention or persecution.